Category: CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 January – His Name was called Jesus – Luke 2:21

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One Minute Reflection – 1 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord – Titus 2:11-15, Luke 2:21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“His Name was called Jesus” – Luke 2:21

REFLECTION – “The Name “Jesus” in Hebrew means “salvation” or “Saviour.” It is a Name that for the prophets, referred to a very specific vocation . From whence came these words, sung with great desire to see Him: “My heart will rejoice in Thy salvation and will be joyful because of His salvation; my soul pines for Thy salvation” (Ps 12:6 ;34:9 ;118:81). “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God” (Hab 3:18). And especially: “O God, by Thy Name save me” (Ps 53:3). It is as though one were to say: “O Thou Who are called ‘Saviour,’ by saving me, manifest the glory of Thy Name.” And so the Name of the Son, born of the Virgin Mary, is Jesus, according to the Angel’s explanation: “He shall save His people from their sins”…

As for the word “Christ,” this designates priestly or royal status. Priests and Kings were in fact “chrismated” that is to say, anointed with holy oil. By this means, they became signs of Him Who, appearing in the world as true King and High Priest, received the anointing of “the oil of gladness above Thy fellows” (Ps 44:8). It is because of this anointing that He is called Christ and those, who share in this same anointing that of spiritual grace, are called Christians. May He grant, through His Name of Saviour, to save us from our sins! May He grant, through His anointing as High Priest, to reconcile us with God the Father. Through His anointing as King, may He give us the Eternal Kingdom of His Father.” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily 5; CCL 122,36).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, have bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may enjoy the intercession of her, through whom we have been found worthy to receive among us, the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, HYMNS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 1 January – Jesu, Decus Angelicum! Jesu, Angelic Glory!

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Our Morning Offering – 1 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”

Jesu, Decus Angelicum!
Jesu, Angelic Glory!
By St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor
Trans Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

O Jesu, Thou the Beauty art
Of Angel worlds above;
Thy Name is music to the heart,
Enchanting it with love.

Celestial Sweetness unalloyed!
Who eat Thee, hunger still;
Who drink of Thee still feel a void,
Which only Thou canst fill.

O my sweet Jesu! hear the sighs
Which unto Thee I send;
To Thee mine inmost spirit cries
My being’s hope and end.

Stay with us. Lord and with Thy Light
Illume the soul’s abyss;
Scatter the darkness of our night,
And fill the world with bliss.

O Jesu, spotless Virgin flower,
Our Life and Joy; to Thee
Be praise, beatitude, and power,
Through all eternity.
Amen.

Jesu, Dulcis Memoria is a celebrated 12th Century prayer/hymn by St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), Doctor Mellifluous. The entire hymn has some 42 to 53 stanzas. Parts of this hymn are used for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Above are the stanzas most commonly used for the Feast of the Holy Name.

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 31 December – O Jesus, Dear Holy Child By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus

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Our Morning Offering – 31 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –Sunday Within the Octave of Christmas

O Jesus, Dear Holy Child
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)

O Jesus,
dear Holy Child,
my only treasure,
I abandon myself to Thy every whim.
I seek no other joy
than that of calling forth Thy sweet Smile.
Vouchsafe to me, the graces and the virtues
of Thy Holy Childhood,
so that, on the day of my birth into Heaven,
the Angels and Saints
may recognise in Thy Spouse,
Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The DIVINE INFANT, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 30 December – Our only Light – Deo Gratias!

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 December – The Sixth Day Within the Octave of the Nativity of our Lord

“With hearts truly grateful,
Come, all ye faithful,
To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem;
See Christ your Saviour,
Heaven’s greatest favour.
Let us hasten to adore Him;
Our God and King.”

DEO GRATIAS! 

“Open wide your door to the One who comes.
Open your soul,
throw open the depths of your heart
to see the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the sweetness of grace.
Open your heart
and run to meet
the Sun of Eternal Light
Who illuminates all men.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Listen! the reason He is called Saviour
is because, for all those
to whom He is united,
He gains salvation.
Now salvation means,
to be delivered from all ills and,
at the same time,
to find all blessings forever –
Life instead of death,
Light in place of darkness
and, instead of the slavery
of the passions and unworthy deeds,
the complete freedom granted
to all those, who are united to Christ,
Saviour of all beings.
Thus they will possess,
without being able to lose it,
all joy, all happiness, all blessedness …
that that none can ever know,
or conceive, or see,
if not sincerely and ardently
attached to Christ.”

St Symeon the New Theologian (c 949-1022)

“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel,
Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer
than the sun and saw a Fire
that water cannot quench.
She received, in the covering of flesh
Whom she had borne,
the Light Who enlightens all things
and she was worthy,
to carry in her arms,
the Word Who carries the universe!” ”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
Bishop, Cistercian Monk

(Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary IV SC 72)

Posted in CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 30 December – Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise – A Solis Ortus Cardine

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Our Morning Offering – 30 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –The Sixth Day Within the Christmas Octave

Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise
A Solis Ortus Cardine
By Coelius Sedulius (Died c 450)
Trans Msgr Ronald A Knox (1888-1957)

Afar from where the sun doth rise
To lands beneath the western skies,
Homage to Christ our King we pay,
Born of a Virgin’s womb this day

Blessed Creator, Thou didst take__
A servant’s likeness for our sake,
And didst in flesh our flesh restore
To bid Thy creature live once more.

Chaste was the womb where Thou didst dwell,
Of heavenly grace the hidden cell;
Nor might the blessed Maid proclaim
Whence her dread Guest in secret came.

Down from on high God came to rest__
His glory in a sinless breast;
Obedience at His word believed,
And virgin innocence conceived.

Ere long, that holy child she bore
By Gabriel’s message named before,
Whom yet unborn, with eager pride,
The swift forerunner prophesied.

Fast doth He sleep, where straw doth spread,
A humble manger for His bed.
A Mother’s milk that strength renewed,
Which gives the birds of heaven their food.

Glory to God, the angels cry;
Earth hears the echo from on high;
Mankind’s true Shepherd and it’s Lord
By shepherd hearts is first adored.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 December – ‘ … Do you listen attentively to the Voice of the Good Shepherd and obey His Word?’

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One Minute Reflection – 29 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr – Hebrews 5:1-6, John 10:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am the Good Shepherd, I know My Own and My Own know Me.”- John 10:14

REFLECTION – “He shows in what manner a shepherd may be proved good and, He teaches that, he must be prepared to give up his life, fighting in defence of his sheep which was fulfilled in Christ. For man has departed from the love of God and fallen into sin and, because of this was, I say, excluded from the divine abode of paradise. And when he was weakened by that disaster, he yielded to the devil tempting him to sin and death, following that sin, he became the prey of fierce and ravenous wolves.  But after Christ was announced as the True Shepherd of all men, He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16), fighting for us against that pack of inhuman beasts.  He bore the Cross for us that by His own death, He might destroy death. He was condemned for us that He might deliver all of us, from the sentence of punishment – the tyranny of sin being overthrown by our faith -fastening to the Cross, the decree that stood against us, as it is written (Colossians 2:14).

Therefore, as the father of sin had, as it were, shut up the sheep in hell, giving them to death to feed on, as it is written in the Psalms (Ps. 48:16), He died for us, as truly Good and truly our Shepherd, so that the dark shadow of death is driven away, He might join us to the company of the blessed in Heaven and, in exchange for abodes which lie far in the depths of the pit … grants us mansions in His Father’s House above. Because of this, He says to us in another place: Fear not, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you a Kingdom (Luke 12:32). Do you listen attentively to the Voice of the Good Shepherd and obey His Word? – ” – St Cyril of Alexander (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church. (Commentary on the Good Shepherd).

PRAYER – O God, for Whose Church Bishop Thomas, now in glory, fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that the prayers of all who implore his assistanc, may be effective and may lead to salvation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, HYMNS, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 26 December – Sleep, Holy Babe

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Our Morning Offering – 26 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave

Sleep, Holy Babe
By Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Sleep, holy Babe, Upon Thy Mother’s breast!
Great Lord of earth and sea and sky,
How sweet it is to see Thee lie
In such a place of rest!

Sleep, holy Babe, Thy Angels watch around,
All bending low with folded wings
Before th’incarnate King of kings
In rev’rent awe profound!

Sleep, holy Babe, While I with Mary gaze
In joy upon that Face awhile,
Upon the loving Infant smile
Which there divinely plays.

Sleep, holy Babe,
And take Thy brief repose;
Too quickly wilt Thy slumbers break
And Thou to lengthened pains awake,
That death alone shall close.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The DIVINE INFANT, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – Come let us adore Him!

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day!

“In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him
and without Him, was made nothing
which was made.
In Him was Life and the Life
was the Light of men.
And the Light shines in darkness
and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

John 1:1-5

V. The Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
V. Christ hath manifested Himself to us.
R. Come let us adore Him!

“Let all your desires then,
be directed toward Him,
the Infinite One,
the Giver of all Good.”

Bl Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)

Nativity Song
By Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306)
(Today is the Feast Day of Blessed Jacopone)

The beautiful Mother is bending
Low where her Baby lies
Helpless and frail, for her tending
But she knows the glorious eyes.

The Mother smiles and rejoices,
While the Baby laughs in the hay,
She listens to heavenly voices:
“This Child shall be King some day.”

O dear little Child in the manger,
Let me make merry with Thee,
O King, in my hour of danger,
Wilt Thou be strong for me?

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY

Thought for the Day – 24 December – The Holy Family – Joseph

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Thought for the Day – 24 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena IX
The Holy Family – Joseph

“The third member of the Holy Family is St Joseph, the most just of men, faithful to his vocation as the foster-father of the Child Jesus and chaste spouse o the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Let us imitate his purity, his utter dedication to the service of God and his burning love for Jesus, Whom he was privileged to clasp to his breast before any other man.
Let us ask him to obtain for us the grace to be able to imitate him in his life so that we may also imitate him in his holy death.
May he, who died with Jesus and Mary by his side, obtain peace for us in our final agony, so that we may expire with the names of Jesus and Mary on our lips and in our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/thought-for-the-day-24-december-the-holy-family-jesus-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/thought-for-the-day-24-december-the-holy-family-mary/

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The DIVINE INFANT

Thought for the Day – 23 December – What Jesus Wants From Us

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Thought for the Day – 23 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena VIII
What Jesus Wants From Us

“There is one last thing which the Infant Jesus requires of each of us.
No-one else can know what it is but we know well what He wants.
There is bound to be some resolution which we have formed many times in the past but, have never properly fulfilled because it cost us too much.
Let us not refuse Jesus this sacrifice, for He has loved us so much that he has sacrificed Himself entirely for us.
As a result of this meditation, let us, at last, put this resolution into effect, with generosity and firmness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/thought-for-the-day-23-december-what-jesus-wants-from-us-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/23/thought-for-the-day-23-december-what-jesus-wants-from-us-3/

Posted in "Follow Me", DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The DIVINE INFANT, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 22 December – Prayer and Dedication

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Thought for the Day – 22 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena VII
Prayer and Dedication

“As we kneel before the Infant Jesus, let us beseech Him to enable us to grasp the truth of these reflections.
Let us take more care of our soul than we do, as of our external talents and possessions.
May God occupy the foremost place in our minds and may He be the principal object of our thoughts, desires and affections.

Let us imitate the humble recollection and ardent love for God, of the Holy Infant.
Like Him, let us offer ourselves entirely to God.
Let us ask Him to make us like Himself, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, especially when we are in trouble or in pain, for in this way, we shall be able to show God how sincerely we love Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/thought-for-the-day-22-december-a-christmas-novena-vii-prayer-and-dedication/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/22/thought-for-the-day-22-december-prayer-and-dedication/

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SILENCE, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 21 December – The Silence of the Divine Infant

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Thought for the Day – 21 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena VI
The Silence of the Divine Infant

“Let us kneel in spirit before the Holy Infant.
He is silent but His heart beats with love for His heavenly Father and for the afflicted human race which He has come to redeem.
Let us adore God in the Mystery of His silence and let us ask Him to favour us with His inspirations and graces.
Let us ask Him to teach us to be like Him, so that our Hearts may be closed to the vain attractions of the world and open to the influence of the supernatural.
Let us ask Him to help us to employ the gifts of speech, in order to adore, praise and thank God and to draw down His blessings upon ourselves and oupon our fellowmen.

May the words which we utter exercise a prayerful and fruitful apostolate, for it was chiefly for this purpose that God endowed us with the gift of speech.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/thought-for-the-day-21-december-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/thought-for-the-day-21-december-the-silence-of-the-divine-infant-2/

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NOVENAS, The DIVINE INFANT

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague – The Fifth Day – 20 December

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The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague

There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).

“The more you honour Me,
the more I will bless you.”

Devotion of the Saints to the Holy Infant:
Members of the Carmelite Order have been zealous, at all times, in promoting devotion to the Holy Infant of Prague.
In particular might we mentioned a certain Father Ildephonse. This Priest always carried a picture of the Infant Jesus on his person and on one occasion was miraculously saved from shipwreck by imploring His assistance.
It has been ordained that in all Convents of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, whether of men or of women, a Statue of the Holy Infant should be set up for veneration.
St. Teresa of Jesus, the celebrated reformer of the Carmelite Order, was very fond of this devotion. The Blessed Crescentia of Kaufbeuern also
possessed a Statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague which she had adorned with a beautiful dress.
St Clement Maria Hofbauer, a Redemptorist, was another ardent worshiper of the Divine Infant and always had a Statue of the Little King in his room.

The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for:
vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.

The Fifth Day

THE NOVENA PRAYERS

  1. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory,
    for my own salvation and that of the whole world,
    the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  2. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph,
    in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts
    when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves,
    when the Saviour of the world was born.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  3. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born,
    the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him,
    the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  4. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body,
    when He submitted to circumcision.
    I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then,
    for the first time He shed for the salvation
    of the whole humanrace.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  5. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the humility, mortification, patience, charity,
    all the virtues of the Child Jesus
    and I thank Thee and I love Thee
    and I bless Thee without end,
    for the ineffable Mystery of
    the Incarnation of the Divine Word.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Word was made Flesh,
And dwelt among us.

LET US PRAY
O God, Whose Only-begotten Son
was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh,
grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him,
Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves,
our souls may be inwardly renewed.
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
forever and ever.
Amen.

7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)

More about the Infant:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 20 December – Let Your Goodness, Lord, Appear to Us By St Bernard

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Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Let Your Goodness, Lord, Appear to Us
An Advent Prayer
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Mellifluous Doctor

Let Your goodness, Lord,
appear to us,
that we, made in Your image,
conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength
we cannot imitate
Your majesty, power and wonder,
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Your mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds to the earth below.
You have come to us as a small child
but You have brought us
the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love.
Caress us with Your tiny hands,
embrace us with Your tiny arms
and pierce our hearts
with Your soft, sweet cries.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The DIVINE INFANT

Thought for the Day –19 December – The First Hours of the Childhood of Jesus Christ

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Thought for the Day –19 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena IV
The First Hours of the
Childhood of Jesus Christ

“When we contemplate the Mystery of Love which caused God-made-man, to weep for our sins, we may not be moved to shed actual tears.
But, we should at least, shed spiritual tears of repentance and of love and of longing for holiness and for complete dedication to Jesus Christ.
We should love Jesus for the countless numbers who do not love Him, or who blaspheme and ignore Him.
We should yearn to make reparation for so much ingratitude and neglect, by our prayers and penances.
The Infinite Love of the God Child, demands all our love in return!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/19/thought-for-the-day-19-december-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/19/thought-for-the-day-19-december-3/

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NOVENAS, The DIVINE INFANT

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague – The Third Day – 18 December

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The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague

There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).

“The more you honour Me,
the more I will bless you.”

The Third Day

Devotion to the infant Jesus of Prague is devotion to the Child Jesus.
It is veneration of the Son of God, Who in the form of a lovely Infant chose a stable for a palace, a manger for a cradle and shepherds for worshipers.
Our Saviour grants special graces to all who venerate His sacred Infancy.

The secret of this devotion may be found in the words of a poor labourer who earned very low wages and was unable to meet the demands of his creditors. Hearing of the wonders of the Infant Jesus of
Prague, he said to himself:
‘I shall apply to the Divine Infant, for just as it is easy to obtain everything from a child, so I think Our Lord will the sooner hear me if I venerate His holy Infancy.”
He made a Novena to the Divine Infant and on the last day received assistance.

The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for:
vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.

THE NOVENA PRAYERS

  1. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory,
    for my own salvation and that of the whole world,
    the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  2. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph,
    in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts
    when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves,
    when the Saviour of the world was born.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  3. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born,
    the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him,
    the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  4. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body,
    when He submitted to circumcision.
    I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then,
    for the first time He shed for the salvation
    of the whole humanrace.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  5. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the humility, mortification, patience, charity,
    all the virtues of the Child Jesus
    and I thank Thee and I love Thee
    and I bless Thee without end,
    for the ineffable Mystery of
    the Incarnation of the Divine Word.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Word was made Flesh,
And dwelt among us.

LET US PRAY
O God, Whose Only-begotten Son
was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh,
grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him,
Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves,
our souls may be inwardly renewed.
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
forever and ever.
Amen.

7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)

More about the Infant:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on WATCHING, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The DIVINE INFANT, The HEART, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – Ready to welcome Him …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conceptio of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Monday of the Third Week of Advent – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety …”

Philippians 4:5-6

“Let your door stand open
to receive Him,
unlock your soul to Him,
offer Him a welcome in your mind
and then you will see
the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the joy of grace.
Throw wide the gate of your heart,
stand before the Sun of the Everlasting Light!”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“He became small because you were small –
understand how great He is
and you will become great along with Him.
This is how houses are built,
how the solid walls of a building are raised.
The stones brought to construct the building increase,
you, too, increase, understanding how great Christ is
and how He, Who appeared to be small, is great,
very great indeed…”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“In adoring our Saviour’s birth,
it is our origin we celebrate.
Christ’s temporal generation
is the source of the Christian people,
the birth of His Mystical Body.
All of us encounter in this Mystery,
a new birth in Christ.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“If we would please this Divine Infant,
we too must become children,
simple and humble.
We must carry to Him, flowers of virtue,
of meekness, of mortification, of charity.
We must clasp Him in the arms of our love.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, PLENARY Indulgences, The DIVINE INFANT

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague – The Second Day – 17 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague

There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).

“The more you honour Me,
the more I will bless you.”

The Second Day

Sweet and merciful Infant Jesus, could we but relate all the wonders of Thy power and goodness! Bless at least these few pages written for Thy greater honour and glory! May they assist in making Thee better known and in instilling devotion to Thee in the hearts of all men!

The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for:
vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.

“Peaceful King, employ Thy graces
and Thy charms to gain the love of men
and through the sweetness
of Thy Divine Infancy,
establish throughout the world,
Thy blissful reign.”

Nihil Obstat ij* Stephanus Schappler, OSB
Abbas Coadjutor Im. Conceptionis

27th Edition, January 1956

THE NOVENA PRAYERS

  1. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory,
    for my own salvation and that of the whole world,
    the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  2. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph,
    in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
    I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts
    when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves,
    when the Saviour of the world was born.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  3. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born,
    the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him,
    the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  4. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body,
    when He submitted to circumcision.
    I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then,
    for the first time He shed for the salvation
    of the whole humanrace.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.
  5. Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory
    and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world,
    the humility, mortification, patience, charity,
    all the virtues of the Child Jesus
    and I thank Thee and I love Thee
    and I bless Thee without end,
    for the ineffable Mystery of
    the Incarnation of the Divine Word.
    Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Word was made Flesh,
And dwelt among us.

LET US PRAY
O God, Whose Only-begotten Son
was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh,
grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him,
Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves,
our souls may be inwardly renewed.
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
forever and ever.
Amen.

7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)

More about the Infant:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 17 December – Preparation for the Nativity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 17 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena II
Preparation for the Nativity

“Our preparation, finally, should also embrace the will.
In other words, we should make good resolutions during our Christmas Novena.
We should resolve to be more fervent in prayer, to be more mortified and, to make greater efforts to practise virtue.

Everyday and, if possible, every hour, let us think of and invoke the Divine Child.
Let us ask Him to help us to model our lives on His, so that they may be full of humility, of love for God and for our fellowmen, of perfect resignation to suffering and of voluntary mortification and penance, designed to prove our love for Jesus and to expiate our sins.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/thought-for-the-day-17-december-a-christmas-novena-ii-preparation-for-the-nativity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/17/thought-for-the-day-17-december-preparation-for-the-nativity/

Posted in CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 16 December – Most Holy Mary By St John of the Cross

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Saturday of the Second Week of Advent and a day to honour our Holy Mother

Most Holy Mary
By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

Most holy Mary,
Virgin of virgins,
Shrine of the most Holy Trinity,
joy of the Angels,
sure Refuge of sinners,
take pity on our sorrows,
mercifully accept our sighs
and appease the wrath
of your most holy Son.
Amen.

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CARMELITES, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, NOVENAS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SAINT of the DAY, The DIVINE INFANT

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus and the Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague, Begin Today, Memorial of St Eusebius of Vercelli and all the Saints for 16 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIRST DAY:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/16/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-16-december-the-first-day/

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
BEGINS today

St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of monasticism in his region
His Feast Day is celebrated today but was moved after Vatican II to 2 August (General Roman Calendar 1729–1969).
St Eusebius Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-saint-eusebius-of-vercelli-c-283-371/

St Adelaide of Burgundy (c931-999) Holy Roman Empress, Widow, Foundress of monasteries and Apostle of Charity. St Adelaid was Canonised in 1097 by Pope Urban II.
About St Adelaide:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-st-adelaide-of-italy-burgundy-c-931-999/

St Adelard of Cysoing

St Ado of Vienne (Died 875) Archbishop of Vienne from 850 until his death, Writer, Reformer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-ado-of-vienne-died-875/

Bl Adolphus of Tunis
Bl Arnaldo of Tunis
St Albina of Caesarea (Died c250) Virgin Martyr
St Ananias
St Azarias

St Beanus (Died c1012) the first Bishop of Murlach, Scotland this area being the forerunner of the Diocese of Aberdeen.
About St Beano:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-beanus-died-c-1012-bishop/

St Beoc
St Dominic Dosso
Bl Elizabeth of Saint Francis

St Everard of Friuli (c815-867) Duke, Count, Soldier, Founder of Churches and a Monastery. In contrast to his soldiering life, St Everard was a peacemaker, a humble and loving Master with a social conscience, striving always to free serfs, wherever possible or at least to free them from their burdens and assisting the poor and needy in all their deprivations.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-everard-of-friuli-c-815-867/

Haggai the Prophet
St Irenion
Bl James of Tunis
St Jean Wauthier
St Macarius of Collesano

Blessed Mary of the Angels Fontanella OCD (1661-1717) “The Fragrant Rose of Turin,” Discalced Carmelite, Mystic, Stigmatist, Marian devotee and client of St Joseph, Prioress, Spiritual director. At the instigation of King Vittorio, the holy nun’s Cause for Canonisation was started just a few years after the death of Sr Maria. Pope Pius IX declared her a Blessed on 25 April 1865
Blessed Mary’s life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-mary-of-the-angels-fontanella-ocd-1661-1717-the-fragrant-rose-of-turin/

St Misael
St Nicholas Chrysoberges
Bl Raynald de Bar

Blessed Sebastian Maggi OP (1414–1496) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Confessor. He was Beatified on 15 April 1760 by Pope Clement XIII. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-sebastian-maggi-op-1414-1496/

Martyred Women of North-West Africa: A large group of women Martyred in the persecutions of Hunneric, Arian King of the Vandals. 482 in North-West Africa.

Martyrs of Ravenna – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. Four names and no other information has survived – Agricola, Concordius, Navalis and Valentine. c 305 at Ravenna, Italy.

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES on PURITY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – Octave of the Immaculate Conception

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Proverbs 8:22-35, Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!”
Luke 1:28

“Thou alone and Thy Mother,
are in all things fair,
there is no flaw in Thee
and no stain in Thy Mother.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O Pure and Immaculate Blessed Virgin
By St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O Pure and Immaculate
and likewise Blessed Virgin,
who art the sinless Mother of thy Son,
the mighty Lord of the universe,
thou who art inviolate and altogether holy,
the hope of the hopeless and sinful,
we sing thy praises.
We bless thee, as full of every grace,
thou who didst bear the God-Man:
we bow low before thee;
we invoke thee and implore thine aid.
Rescue us, O holy and inviolate Virgin,
from every necessity that presses upon us
and from all the temptations of the devil.
Be our intercessor and advocate
at the hour of death and judgement,
deliver us from the fire
that is not extinguished
and from the outer darkness;
make us worthy of the glory of thy Son,
O dearest and most clement Virgin Mother.
Thou indeed art our only hope most sure
and sacred in God’s sight,
to Whom be honour and glory
and majesty and dominion
forever and ever,
world without end.
Amen

St Ephrem of Syria (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The very fact
that God has elected her,
proves, that none was ever
holier than Mary;
if any stain had disfigured her soul,
if any other virgin
had been purer and holier,
God would have selected her
and rejected Mary.”

St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521)
Bishop, Theologian, Poet, Writer

“He Who is Infinite, Limitless,
came to dwell in your womb;
God, the Child Jesus,
was nourished by your milk.
You are the ever virginal
Doorway of God;
your hands hold your God;
your lap is a throne raised up above the Cherubim…
You are the wedding chamber of the Spirit,
the “city of the living God,
gladdened by the runlets of the stream”
that is to say, the waves of the Spirit’s gifts.
You are “all fair, the Beloved” of God.”

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Free from the concupiscence which has disturbed
our human nature, she was like a snow-white lily,
sparkling in the sunlight.
Her mortal life was a continuous ascent
towards the highest peak of holiness.
… her daily correspondence with God’s gifts
was as remarkable as her dignity.
… The most chaste Virgin Mary,
is a model for our imitation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PURITY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 15 December – Deign, O Immaculate Virgin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and the Octave Day of the Feast

Deign, O Immaculate Virgin
By St Paschasius Radbertus (785–865)

Deign, O Immaculate Virgin,
Mother most pure,
to accept the loving cry of praise
which we send up to you
from the depths of our hearts.
Though they can but add little to your glory,
O Queen of Angels,
you do not despise, in your love,
the praises of the humble
and the poor.
Cast down upon us a glance of mercy,
O most glorious Queen,
graciously receive our petitions.
Through your immaculate purity
of body and mind,
which rendered you so pleasing to God,
inspire us with a love of innocence and purity.
Teach us to guard carefully the gifts of grace,
striving ever after sanctity, so that,
being made like the image of your beauty,
we may be worthy to become the sharers
of your eternal happiness.
Amen

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MARIAN TITLES, NOTES to Followers, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY, The DIVINE INFANT

Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Colombia (16th Century), Memorials of the Saints for 15 December and Novena Reminders

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori – BEGINS on 16 December:
This Novena is translated from the Italian of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and was first published in 1758.
Although this Novena is intended, primarily as a preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, it can be used with spiritual profit at any time of the year, as a devotion in honour of the Infant Jesus.
This translation by the Redemptorists of the UK.

AND/OR:
December, naturally being the Month of the Divine Infant, is a wonderful time to begin this Monthly practice:
The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
From 16 to 24 December (and of every Month on the same dates).

Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century) – 15 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/nuestra-senora-de-mongui-our-lady-of-mongui-mongui-boyaca-colombia-16th-century-memorials-of-the-saints-and-an-ember-day-15-december/

St Adalbero of Metz
St Bacchus the Younger
St Christiana the Slave
St Florentius of Bangor

St Margaret of Fontana
Bl Maria della Pace

Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata (1562–1617) Widow, Nun, Foundress of the Order of the Annunciation – or Blue Nuns, of which she is the Patron.
Her Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-maria-vittoria-de-fornari-1562-1617/

Blessed Marino of Cava OSB (1146-1170) Monk, the Seventh Abbot of the famous Abbey of The Holy Trinity of Cava (La Trinità della Cava). He was also appointed as a Royal and secular Governor, through the efforts of his diplomatic peace negotiations.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-marino-of-cava-osb-died-1170/

St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813–1855) Religious, Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity. She was Beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XXI and Canonised in 1954 by the same Pontiff.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december/

St Maximinus of Micy
St Offa of Essex
St Paul of Latros
St Silvia of Constantinople
St Urbicus
St Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop
Blessed Victoria Strata (1562-1617) Widow,

Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.

Martyrs of Rome – 22 Saints: A group of 22 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK, HYMNS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, POETRY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 14 December – St Venantius Fortunatus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 December – Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The Feast of St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words.”

“O Mother blest!
And chosen Shrine
wherein the Architect Divine,
Whose Hand contains the earth and sky
vouchsafed in hidden guise to lie;
Blest in the message Gabriel brought;
blest in the work, the Spirit wrought;
Most blest, to bring to human birth,
the long desired of all the earth!”

“See the destined day arise!
See a willing Sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss,
hangs upon the shameful Cross;
Jesus, Who but Thee could bear
wrath so great and justice fair?
Every pang and bitter throe,
finishing Thine life of woe?”

“Hail, O Altar, Hail, O Victim,
For the glory of Thy Passion,
By which Life endured death
And by death, restored life!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-december-st-venantius-fortunatus/

St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on GRACE, The ANNUNCIATION, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 December – “Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 December –The Second Week of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Proverbs 8:22-35; Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “How can I speak? What praises could I possibly make of the holy and glorious Virgin? She surpasses all other beings except for God Himself. She is by nature more beautiful than the Cherubim and Seraphim and the whole Angelic Host. No language, whether of Heaven or earth, or even of the Angels, is enough to praise her. Blessed Virgin, spotless dove, heavenly bride… temple and throne of the Godhead! Christ, the Sun Who shines resplendently in Heaven and on earth, belongs to thee. Thou art the luminous cloud which brought Christ down to earth, He Who is the bright streak of lightening, Who shines across the world.

Rejoice, full of grace, gate of Heaven! It was of thee, the author of the Song of Songs speaks… when he cries aloud: “A garden enclosed is my sister, my bride; an enclosed garden, a fountain sealed” (4:12)… Holy Mother of God, spotless ewe – thou gave birth to Christ, the Lamb, the Word made flesh in thee … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – a woman clothed with the sun (Apoc 12:1), carrying the Light in her arms! … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – the Lord of Angels becomes the Virgin’s Child. Angels judged Eve; now they fill Mary with glory, since it was she who raised Eve from her fall and brought Adam, expelled from Paradise, into Heaven.

Vast is the grace given to this Holy Virgin. Hence Gabriel, first addresses her with this greeting: “Hail, full of grace” resplendent as the Heaven. “Hail, full of grace” Virgin adorned with countless virtues… “Hail, full of grace” thou quench our thirst at the sweetness of the everlasting stream. Hail, holy and Immaculate Mother, thou conceived the Christ Who existed before thee. Hail, royal purple, thou clothed the King of Heaven and earth. Hail, O sealed book, thou enabled the world to read the Word, the Father’s Son!” – St Epiphanius of Salamis (c315-403) Bishop of Salamis,  known as the Oracle of Palestine and Father of the Church (Sermon No 5)

PRAYER – Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 14 December – O Gloriosa Virginum By St Venantius Fortunatus

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Our Morning Offering – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception – Today is also the Feast day of dear St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words”:

O Gloriosa Virginum
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

O Glorious Virgin, ever blest,
Sublime above the starry sky,
Who nurture from thy spotless breast
To thy Creator didst supply.

What we had lost through hapless Eve,
The Blossom sprung from these restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.

O Gate, through which hath passed the King.
O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom;
The ransomed nations, praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the Hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) the Bishop of Poitiers.
In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the Hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum.
It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary.
It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this Hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby,and even on his death bed after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the Hymn.

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 13 December – O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

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Our Morning Offering – 13 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)

O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world,
And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled;
And the tempest-tossed Church,—
all her eyes are on thee;
They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair,
For the empire of sin—it had never been there;
None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He.
And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast,
And God found a home where the sinner finds rest;
His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee,
He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PURITY, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 December – ‘… Mary is the new tree of life …’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 December – Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Proverbs 8:22-35; Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “Son of God, grant me your own admirable Gift that I may celebrate the wondrous beauty of Thy beloved Mother! The Virgin gave birth to a Son while preserving her virginity; she suckled Him Who gives nourishment to the peoples; in her immaculate breast, she bore Him Who carries the whole world in His Hands. She is Virgin and Mother, what will she not be hereafter? Holy in body, all beautiful in soul, pure of mind, upright in intelligence, perfect in feeling, chaste and faithful, pure of heart and filled with virtue.

May the hearts of virgins rejoice in Mary, since of her was born the One Who set humankind free from dreadful slavery. May the old Adam, wounded by the serpent, rejoice in Mary; it is Mary who gives Adam a posterity which allows Him to crush the accursed serpent and Who cures him of his mortal wound (Gen 3:15). Let Priests rejoice in the blessed Virgin; she has brought the High Priest into the world, Who gave Himself as a victim, putting an end to the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. … Let the Prophets rejoice in Mary, since in her were fulfilled their visions, in her were realised their prophecies, in her were confirmed their oracles. Let all the Patriarchs rejoice in Mary, since she received the blessing promised to them, she, who, in her Son, has brought them to completion. …

Mary is the new tree of life who, instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve, gives to mankind that sweet fruit on which the whole world is fed!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Marian Hymn).

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son and Who, by Thy Son’s death, foreseen by Thee, preserved her from all taint, grant, we beseech Thee, through her intercession that we too may come to Thee unstained by sin.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 11 December – O Gloriosa Femina, O Glorious Maid, Exalted Far

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Our Morning Offering – 11 December – Monday of the Second Week of Advent and Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God“

O Gloriosa Femina
O Glorious Maid, Exalted Far
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)
Bishop, Father o the Church

O Glorious Maid, exalted far
Beyond the light of burning star,
From Him who made thee, thou hast won
Grace to be Mother of His Son.

That which was lost in hapless Eve
Thy holy Scion did retrieve:
The tear-worn sons of Adam’s race
Through thee have seen the heavenly place.

Thou wast the gate of Heaven’s high Lord,
The door through which the Light hath poured.
Christians rejoice, for through a Maid
To all mankind is life conveyed!

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

This Hymn was used for Lauds in the Sarum Breviary for the Feasts of the Immaculate Conception, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation, the Assumption and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The above is the original text of this Hymn as it appears in The English Hymnal (1906), where it is listed as a Morning Office Hymn for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
Chant Tone: “O Gloriosa Domina” Gregorian Chant, Mode II, traditional.